Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday predicted a great future for the country during the end of the year thanksgiving of the Aso Villa Chapel in Abuja.

Osinbajo, who was the host of the event said the service was an opportunity to thank God for all He had done for the country during the year.

“Today is a special thanksgiving for the end of the year and as you have seen, all the former presidents and deputies are here. We also expected President Jonathan, but unfortunately, he had to cancel the appointment at the last moment.

“We are all excited that we have been able to bring everyone together to thank God for our nation and to give Him thanks for the great future ahead of us,” he said.

Former Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ernest Shonekan were among dignitaries who attended the service.Others are former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, ex-Chief of General Staff, Rear Admiral Ebitu Ukiwe and Gen. Oladipo Diya.

Gowon said he was delighted to be at the service with other former colleagues and thanked Osinbajo for the honour.He urged Christians to always show love to every Nigerian irrespective of their faith in line with the injunction of Jesus Christ who preached love for one another.

“Our neighbours are Christians, Muslims, traditional religion adherents. Whatever we do, we must make sure that we live up to the expectation of Christ,” he said.

Gowon also prayed for President Muhammadu Buhari, Osinbajo and the presidency for God to lead them as they pilot the affairs of the country.The Chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel, Pastor Seyi Malomo said thanksgiving was an injunction from God, adding that everyone irrespective of status must thank God in all circumstances.